I Dare You Podcast

Hosted by Darrin Johnson

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229

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the I Dare You Podcast, a candid conversation with today's top entrepreneurs and business leaders about leading with more joy and purpose and living a meaningful life. This podcast is all about helping you break through and get after the life you desire. You'll be encouraged to live just outside your comfort zone and take the courageous next steps to become the person - and leader - you were meant to be.Leadership is an adventure, and the I Dare You Podcast will give you the inspirat

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June 16, 202642 min

Episode 230: Stop Trying to Do It All: Your Father’s Day Wake-Up Call with Jay Bilas

Stop trying to do it all. This Father’s Day episode is your wake-up call—how to be the kind of dad, spouse, and leader who shows up when it matters.   My special guest is Jay Bilas. You know Jay as one of ESPN’s most trusted basketball voices. He joined ESPN in 1995 and has spent decades on the biggest stages in the sport, from College GameDay to the top men’s college matchups every week, plus NBA Draft coverage and major studio shows. He is also the New York Times bestselling author of Toughness: Developing True Strength On and Off the Court.   Jay was a four-year starter at Duke under Mike Krzyzewski from 1982 to 1986. His 1986 Duke team set the NCAA record for the most wins in a single season with 37. While Jay was an assistant coach under Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils won back-to-back National Championships in 1991 and 1992.   Jay has also distinguished himself on Twitter, having been named to Sports Illustrated’s “Twitter 100” for being among the 100 most essential Twitter follows in sports, and one of the 25 Most Powerful People in Sports Media by The Big Lead.   Since 1992, Jay has been a licensed attorney with the law firm of Moore & Van Allen, PLLC, where he has specialized in commercial litigation. He serves on the National Board of the Coaches vs. Cancer Organization, the Board of Advisors of the Duke Brain Tumor Center, and the Board of Directors of The V Foundation for Cancer Research. This conversation isn’t about basketball. It’s about presence, priorities, and the quiet power of doing the right things when nobody’s watching.   In this episode, Jay gets real about: Why preparation is a form of toughness—and how it creates calm and confidence The trap of believing you can “have it all” (and what to do instead) The Father’s Day truth that hits hard: what your family actually needs from you What kids remember most—and the simple standard that changes everything Jay’s one-line job description for fathers: “Be there 100% when you’re there.”   This is your Father’s Day wake-up call. Listen—and then make one change your family will feel this week.   Follow Jay: @jbillis on X and Instagram.

June 9, 202620 min

Episode 229: The Summer Reset: Why You Quit What Works with Darrin Johnson

Summer is where routines go to die. Later nights. More travel. More “we’ll get back on track Monday.” And then it’s Labor Day… and you feel worse than you did in June. In this episode, I’m giving you a Summer Fundamentals Reset—a simple, no-drama way to stop drifting and get back to basics without turning your life into a giant self-improvement project. Because the truth is: when life gets loud (and summer gets loose), even high performers start handing themselves permission slips: Skip the workout. Stay up late. Drink more. Eat like a teenager. “I’ll lock in later.” And later becomes never. So here’s what we’re doing instead: fundamentals. You’ll learn: Why successful people quietly abandon the basics (and how it happens without you noticing) The one trap that’s costing you momentum: comfort disguised as “skipping” Why your brain starts “shopping for novelty” when momentum stalls A simple framework you can steal today: The Summer Fundamentals Reset — Call It. Pick It. Protect It. A Summer Reset challenge to start in the next 24 hours (choose it → prove it → lock it in) This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about feeling clear, energized, and present again—so you can actually enjoy your summer. Don’t use summer as an excuse. Use summer as your reset. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Grab your FREE, custom-designed PDFs (inspired by Start With Why by Simon Sinek) at idareyoupod.com: 5 “Why discovery” questions Daring Purpose Tool (Belief → Action → Results → One sentence) Start With Why Visual Synopsis (WHY / HOW / WHAT + trust + consistency) Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

June 2, 202635 min

Episode 228: Why Winning Still Feels Empty (And the One Habit That Fixes It) with Chip Pugh

What does it really mean to win in life—and why do so many high-achievers still feel like they’re falling short? In this episode of I Dare You, I’m joined by Chip Pugh, Team Chaplain for the Tennessee Titans and author of Made to Win: Six Practices of Jesus for Life on Mission.  Exclusive for I Dare You Podcast listeners, you can get your FREE copy of Made To Win and you only cover the cost of shipping. Click the link to get your copy!https://oakspress.com/dare Chip has spent decades developing athletes, coaches, and leaders—serving in collegiate athletics, strength and conditioning, and leadership development roles (including at Tennessee Tech University)—and he brings a clear, practical framework for maximizing your potential. You’ll learn why so many people never experience the joy of winning (because they were never trained to win), how to quiet the “distracting voices” that derail your calling, and why community isn’t optional if you want a life that’s strong, resilient, and mission-driven. Chip also shares a simple daily prayer and challenge that can change how you see people—and how you show up in the world. In this conversation, you’ll learn: The 3-part pathway to winning: expect, aim, and train Why identity comes before purpose—and how your words shape both How to discern truth when doubt and adversity hit The “life huddle” principle: why you need a few people who truly know you The practice of “Invest in the One”—and the daily habit that brings purpose into focus Chip’s message is direct, practical, and deeply encouraging—whether faith is central to your life right now or you’re simply searching for what you were made for. Here’s the prayer you pray (the “one daily prayer” from your Chip Pugh episode script): Lord, give me the eyes to see what You see today. Prepare my hands to do what You have designed me to do. Prepare my feet to go where You send me. Please send me to the one who is ready to follow You… and fill me with the skill to win them to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Connect with Chip: X (Twitter): @Chip_Pugh Instagram: @Chip_Pugh Facebook: @ChipCPugh Website: www.MadeToWinBook.com

May 26, 202619 min

Episode 227: Comfort Is Lying to You (And It’s Keeping You Small) with Darrin Johnson

You’re doing “pretty well”… so why do you still feel restless? In this solo episode, I go straight at the quiet ceiling that keeps high performers from becoming who they know they’re capable of being—not more famous, not more followers… bigger in your leadership, health, relationships, impact, and purpose. I break down two traps that shrink your thinking without you noticing: The Doable Trap (I start using my past as the benchmark for what’s possible) The “At least I’m not…” game (downward comparison that makes me feel better while I stay small) Then I give you a simple, practical framework to break through the ceiling: The Bigger Flywheel: Reference Point → Resolve → Risk  This one will challenge you, encourage you, and push you to choose the stretch—because comfort is a liar, and “ready” isn’t coming. In this episode, I cover:  Why I can’t outperform the size of my aspirations (and neither can you) How my “reference points” shape my identity—and my results What I do when I feel bored, stuck, or under-challenged The one “high-fail” move I believe you should keep in your life at all times A 24-hour I Dare You Challenge to take action today (not “someday”) If you thought of someone while listening, send them this episode with one line: “I thought of you when I heard this.” Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember, as discussed in E218, grab your FREE, custom-designed PDFs (inspired by Start With Why by Simon Sinek) at idareyoupod.com: 5 “Why discovery” questions  Daring Purpose Tool (Belief → Action → Results → One sentence)  Start With Why Visual Synopsis (WHY / HOW / WHAT + trust + consistency)  Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

May 19, 202645 min

Episode 226: How to Stop Comparing Yourself (Before It Steals Your Joy) with Kelsie Watts

Recording artist and Broadway sensation Kelsie Watts joins The I Dare You Podcast for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a career that lasts—onstage and online. Kelsie is making waves again with new original music, including her latest release “Made for Your Love,” and has become a viral singing phenomenon with 250M+ views and 3.5M+ followers across TikTok and Instagram. In this episode, she takes us behind the curtain on her journey from Lubbock, Texas (singing in church and studying music) to Belmont University in Nashville, to grinding through the “unseen years” that most people never hear about. We talk about: Why “overnight success” is a myth The creative story behind “Made for Your Love” and Kelsie’s Whitney Houston inspiration How understanding the business of music matters as much as talent   The Broadway reality: Kelsie’s run as Queen Jane Seymour in SIX! The Musical (including her iHeartRadio Music Award nomination for Favorite Broadway Debut) and what it’s like to step into high-pressure roles live   The message behind her acclaimed single “Fit In”—and why comparison is “the thief of joy” The power of authenticity, preparation, and staying coachable after hearing “no” Plus, Kelsie shares her simple “I Dare You” challenge—one small act that can change someone’s day. Follow Kelsie: @kelsiewatts (TikTok) | @kelsiewattsmusic (Instagram) Listen to her music everywhere you stream. Remember, as discussed in E218, grab your FREE, custom-designed PDFs (inspired by Start With Why by Simon Sinek) at idareyoupod.com: 5 “Why discovery” questions Daring Purpose Tool (Belief → Action → Results → One sentence) Start With Why Visual Synopsis (WHY / HOW / WHAT + trust + consistency)

May 12, 202639 min

Episode 225: Main-Character Energy: The Question That Changes Your Next Move with Scott Scovill

Scott Scovill’s story is what happens when you stop negotiating with fear. He’s the founder of Moo TV (a global live-event video powerhouse), a creative force behind massive tours and TV specials, and the author of Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams—but this conversation isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the real roadmap: flunking out, rebuilding confidence, taking bold swings, and learning how to keep going when doubt is loud. In this episode of I Dare You, we talk about:   Why tenacity isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build   The mindset shift that changed Scott’s life: “Live like you’re writing a book” How fear disguises itself as “busy” and quietly steals your best chapter The power of one bold move—and how to choose it without blowing up your life The perspective that comes from a health scare and the urgency of living on purpose If you’ve been stuck, hesitant, playing small, or waiting for the “right time”… this is your nudge (and your challenge): What would make the next chapter more interesting—and are you willing to do it? Listen now, then take the dare. Connect with Scott: https://www.scottscovill.com/. https://www.instagram.com/scottscovillcreative  https://www.facebook.com/scottscovillcreative https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-scovill-943a4022/

May 5, 202624 min

Episode 224: Dr. Seuss’ Best Leadership Lesson (That Most Adults Miss) with Darrin Johnson

In this solo episode, I’m pulling a surprisingly powerful leadership lesson from Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go!—specifically the part most people skip right past: The Waiting Place. That grown-up trap where I’m not lazy… I’m just delaying. Waiting on clarity. Waiting on confidence. Waiting for life to slow down. Graduation season isn’t just for 18-year-olds in caps and gowns. It’s for me. It’s for you. It’s for anyone stepping into a new chapter that didn’t come with a ceremony—just more pressure and responsibility. Here’s what I’ll walk you through: Why “adult graduations” happen all the time (and rarely come with applause) How I can look busy… and still be stuck The real cost of waiting (even when it sounds responsible) A simple 7-day exit plan you can run starting today This one is fresh, fun, and practical—with the kind of warm, direct “let’s go” energy that will get you moving before the episode ends. Because you don’t have to know the whole chapter. You just have to turn the page. Hit play and let’s get after it. Remember, as discussed in E218, grab your FREE, custom-designed PDFs (inspired by Start With Why by Simon Sinek) at idareyoupod.com: 5 “Why discovery” questions Daring Purpose Tool (Belief → Action → Results → One sentence) Start With Why Visual Synopsis (WHY / HOW / WHAT + trust + consistency) Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod

April 28, 202635 min

Episode 223: Get Calm‑ish: The Simple Reset for Pressure Moments with Dr. Dana Sinclair

Dr. Dana Sinclair is back—and this is a big one. Dana is a world-class performance psychologist, and the author of Dialed In: Do Your Best When It Matters Most—now an international bestseller.  Dana works with high-level executives and leaders in a wide range of businesses and industries. She also works with professional teams and athletes in the NFL, MLB, WNBA, NHL, MLS, IndyCar, PGA, and the Olympics.… but here’s the point: the same pressure principles that help a pro athlete in a championship moment also help you in your meeting, your interview, your hard conversation, your parenting moment, or your next big swing. This is Dana’s second time on the I Dare You Podcast—and her first episode became one of our most downloaded episodes ever, which tells you everything about how much this message resonates. In this conversation, we go deeper into the exact tools that help you “shift when you drift,” get “calm-ish” on demand, and stop waiting to feel confident before you take action. Dr. Sinclair is a licensed psychologist with doctorates from the University of Cambridge and the University of Ottawa, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, and is a specialist lecturer with the Royal Institue of British Architects.  Press play if you want to learn how to perform better—right when it matters most. Connect with Dr. Dana Sinclair: Instagram: @drdanasinclair www.drdanasinclair.com

April 21, 202635 min

Episode 222: Stop Chasing Someone Else’s Success (Define Yours in 10 Minutes) with Brianna Doe

You can feel it: the rules of work have changed. Careers aren’t linear anymore. Everyone’s building something on the side. And if you’re trying to grow a business, grow an audience, or just grow yourself… you need a strategy that actually fits the world we’re in now. In Episode 222, I’m joined by Brianna Doe — Founder & CEO of Verbatim, a top-ranked influencer marketing agency, co-creator of let her cook, and the author of The Unapologetic Professional. Brianna is one of the sharpest voices I’ve heard on digital culture, leadership, and building a career that feels authentic (not just impressive on paper). We talk about: Why consistency matters more than “having the it factor” when you’re building influence How to define success on your terms (and stop living by someone else’s expectations) What a portfolio career really looks like—and how to pursue multiple passions without burning out Why systems and time-blocking aren’t restrictive… they’re the secret to freedom How to untangle your identity from your job title and build a life that’s bigger than your work If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or like you’re doing all the “right” things but something still feels off—this conversation will give you clarity and a practical next step. Hit play on Episode 222 now. Connect with Brianna: YouTube: @lethercookmedia Website: briannadoe.com Podcast: Stop The Scroll w/ Brianna Doe (Available on Apple & Spotify) Newsletter: This Could’ve Been an Email (100,000+ subscribers)   Verbatim Agency LinkedIn: @weareverbatim Website: www.weareverbatim.com

April 14, 202624 min

Episode 221: AI Is Stealing Your Life (Unless You Do This First) with Darrin Johnson

AI is moving fast. Like faster-than-your-brain-can-keep-up fast. And in Episode 221, we’re talking about what that actually means for your work—and for your life—because this isn’t just a productivity conversation. This is a you conversation. Here’s the point: AI isn’t the villain. Drift is. If you don’t decide what matters, something else will. And when AI starts giving you time back, there’s one question you have to answer: What are you going to do with the gains? More output… or more meaning? In this episode, I break down three big shifts happening in real time.  Then I share a simple framework I use to make sure reclaimed time doesn’t disappear into more email, more meetings, and more noise: Guard The Gains Reclaimed time is only a gift if you protect it. So we talk about defining your non-negotiables, assigning the margin you’re getting back, and putting it on the calendar—because if it’s not scheduled, it’s not real. The AI prompt I shared in the episode Copy/paste this: “AI is giving me time back. My top values are: [list]. My non-negotiables are: [list]. Help me plan the next 7 days so the extra time goes to those things first. Give me specific calendar blocks, 3 guardrails to protect them, and ONE question to review at the end of the week.” The AI business tools I shared If you’re trying to get started, keep it simple:   ChatGPT or Claude   Canva (content) Otter (meetings) Descript (audio/video) Notion (My personal favorite: writing and practical lifestyle tools) This episode will help you use AI as a tool—without letting it quietly take over the parts of your life that make you human. Now hit play—because the people who win in this next season won’t be the ones who “learn AI”… they’ll be the ones who use it to build a life they actually want. Let’s go. Remember, as discussed in E218, grab your FREE, custom-designed PDFs (inspired by Start With Why by Simon Sinek) at idareyoupod.com: 5 “Why discovery” questions Daring Purpose Tool (Belief → Action → Results → One sentence) Start With Why Visual Synopsis (WHY / HOW / WHAT + trust + consistency) Connect with Darrin Johnson: www.idareyoupod.com Instagram: @idareyoupod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDareYouPod TikTok: @idareyoupod